Sardines don't exactly have a huge fan club, but they should -- at least in this RD's eyes. Sardines jam-packed with omega-3's, which not only promote brain and heart health, but also fight belly flab and even may rouse enzymes that promote fat burning. They're also beloved for their high amounts of calcium (thanks to their edible bones) -- they're one of the highest non-dairy calcium-rich foods around. And they actually taste pretty mild, like tuna, so stop slinking away from sardines and give these babies a try -- at least in one of these recipes. Pretty please?

Sardicado Sandwich: Leave it to quirky-yet-accessible Food Network star Alton Brown to turn sardines into a simple gourmet sandwich. The flavor combination of the sardines with ripe avocado, vinegar, sea salt and fresh lemon juice are delicious enough of their own -- especially paired with some killer crusty bread.

Greek Salad with Sardines: This recipe combines the fresh, tangy flavors of a Greek salad like feta, Kalamata olives, lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil with savory sardines to make a fresh twist on the already-refreshing classic. A bonus? All the Omega-3s you'll be garnering from this dish!

Spaghetti con le Sarde: Celebrity chef Mario Batali dresses up simple sardines by adding them to a comforting pasta dish from his cookbook, Molto Gusto. The noodles are flavored with olive oil, orange zest and fennel, and the sardines give it that "ja na sais quoi" touch!